Diego Costa has insisted that he controls whether or not he plays for the Spanish national side and not Chelsea boss Jose Mourinho.
The former Atletico Madrid has set the Premier League alight since joining Chelsea this summer, but niggling injury problems and a doubt over his full fitness have dampened such excitement.
Costa, who has been selected by Spanish national coach Vicente del Bosque, which has been met with some disappointment from Chelsea boss Jose Mourinho, who would have preferred the striker to have rested.
“I don’t want to be in the middle [of Spain and Chelsea],” he told Marca. “Mourinho has not told me anything.
“One has to take into account that many times I am the one that makes the decision depending on how I feel. Here I have the confidence of the coach, the technical team, and if there is a problem I tell them.
“If I’m here and I’m injured then I don’t play because it would be worse.”
Doubts continue but Costa himself has keen to remain with Del Bosque’s Spanish national side.
“I’m here ready to play. I’ve had some problems but it’s getting better,” said Costa.
“I’ve already played three games in a week and the coach [Del Bosque] knows that I carry some problems, but I will treat them during the week.”